Sent from Express News
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran launched a research rocket Monday and unveiled its
first major space center, which will be used to launch research
satellites, state-run television reported.
The report said the rocket was the first launched by Iran "into space."
But analysts have expressed doubts about similar technological
achievements announced by the country in the past.
Iran launched its first domestically built rocket last February, which
did not reach orbit level.
"The first Iranian rocket Explorer-1 was fired into space," reported
state TV, which showed live images of the event at the space center,
with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad issuing the launch order. "With the
launch, Iran has joined the world's top 11 countries possessing space
technology to build satellites, and launch rockets into space."
The report did not specify the altitude reached by the research rocket.
Space is considered to begin at 60 miles above ground. Ham radio
satellites - the lowest flying satellites - orbit between 100-300 miles,
while communication, weather and global-positioning satellites fly
between 250-12,000 miles up.
Some Western experts also have raised the possibility that Iran's space
program may be a cover to more fully develop its military ballistic
missiles, a prospect many find troubling at a time when the U.S. and
others worry Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
Before the launch, Ahmadinejad opened the space center, which includes
an underground control station and space launch pad, according to state TV.
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI Associated Press Writer